Dark Knight class

[Brightshadow]

Didn't they use scythes in japan as a popular weapon in the past I don't remember what time era.

[Tupsi]

Didn't they use scythes in japan as a popular weapon in the past I don't remember what time era.

In a way, not mainstream use - It is however a very popular weapon in Anime/Games from Japan.

[HumsterMKX]

Didn't they use scythes in japan as a popular weapon in the past I don't remember what time era.

You mean the Kama? It is a farming tool.

[Ecks007]

Didn't they use scythes in japan as a popular weapon in the past I don't remember what time era.

Hmm.. not sure about that. I know Ninja in many anime may be seen using a chain scythe, which is essentially a small sickle with a length of chain attached to it.

In reality an actual scythe would require a great deal of training and familiarization with the weapon in order to use one effectively in combat. It truly isn't an ideal weapon due to it's size and general unwieldy-ness. If you were using one's like FFXI had primarily, the straight shaft kind, more often than not I think you'd have to worry about slicing yourself with the blade, that is if you are trying to be flashy with one. Which to me, seems like it would be the point. The imposing stature of the weapon, often associated with Death itself, might be a deterrent to potential combatants in and of itself.. assuming you don't look like an oaf with it.

Then there's farming scythes, which in my opinion, can be a far more devastating scythe because of the hand holds and curved shafts that are meant for swinging side to side and maneuvering your body into the swings a lot better. Again would be a hard weapon to use in combat, I think. Both definitely require a lot of physical strength and are fairly large in size. It's basically a specialty weapon. Something not a lot of people would actually be able to master.

Personally though, I think scythes are a great fantasy weapon. You can think up all types and styles that realistically no one would ever be able to actually use, but in fantasy could be twirled about like a baton while looking like a complete bad-ass. There are all kinds of maneuvers that I could think of and have already been thought of for non-realistic scythe combat. I mean, there aren't a ton of characters out there that use scythes.. oh wait, yes, there are. Granted there are likely more fantasy characters that use every other kind of medieval weaponry other than a scythe, but scythes didn't become a popular choice because of their actual effectiveness. Total imagery.